England's Steven Finn: 'No better feeling' after third Ashes Test win

England bowler Steven Finn said "there is no better feeling" after taking eight wickets to help his side beat Australia in the third Ashes Test.

Finn, 26, also said he doubted if he would play Test cricket again during his two-year absence from the format.

It was his first Test since July 2013 and after returning home early from the disastrous 2013-14 tour of Australia.

"I've tried to enjoy every moment this week and winning the match and taking a few wickets has helped," he said.

"I did doubt at times if I'd play Test cricket again but I also had that belief that I could be good enough."

Finn took 6-79 in the second innings at Edgbaston - his best Test figures - as Australia were bowled out for 265, leaving England to chase 121 for victory, which they achieved for the loss of two wickets on Friday to claim a 2-1 series lead.

In the first innings, the Middlesex seam bowler took 2-38, including the wicket of world number one batsman Steven Smith in his first over.

"It is as nice a feeling as I have ever had taking a wicket," Finn told Test Match Special. "It is the most passionate I have been celebrating a wicket.

"There are a few nerves in the first few balls and you question yourself but after that it was focusing on getting people out and making the most of the conditions."

England captain Alastair Cook highlighted the character of Finn, who was given his chance back in the side following an injury to Mark Wood.

"It was an amazing comeback from Finny," Cook told TMS. "This is what sport does. It is a test of you as a bloke. You have amazing times and tough times and it is how you handle that. Finny has had that.

"The character to come back after a lot of hard work is incredible. We haven't seen a changing room as happy for anyone as it was for Finny taking his wickets.

"It was heartbreaking to see one of your friends go through what he did in Australia. He should be incredibly proud tonight of the way he bowled."

After winning the first Test in Cardiff, England were resoundingly beaten at Lord's but responded superbly in Birmingham, performing much better than Australia throughout a low-scoring match, played on a good wicket.

The tone was set by England's bowlers, who dismissed Australia for 136 in the first innings after the tourists had won the toss before scoring 281 to take a healthy lead and set up the win.

"We didn't do ourselves justice at Lord's and we just didn't play well," added Cook. "We talked about starting well. In the other Tests, the side that started well dominated the game.

"I don't think it was a 140 all out wicket. The bowlers set the game up well. We wanted more than 280, but the way we bowled again was fantastic."